Radiator



M. J. CALLAHAN RADIATOR Feb. 18, 1930.

Filed March 11 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 5 V mmvmn:

ATTORNEY.

Feb. 18, 1930. M. J. CALLAHAN RADIATOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 11.1927 I INVENTUH.

' 1. azmlm/ A TTORN E Y Feb. 18, 1930. M. J. QALLAHAN RADIATOR 5Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 11. 1927 INI/E/VTOR Fb. 18, 1930. M. J.CALLAHAN 1,747,159

IT! l Patented Feb. 18, 1 930 PATENT orric women a. cALLAnan, or NewYORK, n. Y;

RADIATOR Application filed March 11, 1927. Serial No. 174,513.

This invention relates to radiators for dispensing heat or heated airinto chambers or open spaces such as rooms, lofts, closets, etc., and,particularly, has reference to a radiator 5 adapted for installation ina heating and ventilating unit, such, for example, as the heating andventilating unit shown in my Patent #l,503,089, granted July 29, 1924,and in my application filed March 14, 1925, Serial N umher 15,518. I

Among the objects of my'invention may be noted the following: to providea radiator capable of radiating a maximum amount of heat and ofoccupying a minimum amount 1 of space; to provide a radiator soconstructed that it has a maximum amount of radiating area, a minimumamount o'ffiuid conducting space, and a maximum of heat conductivity; toprovide a radiator composed of headers which are interchangeable, and

which can be'used interchangeably for the fluid supply or fluid return;to provide a radiator composed of similar headers made of malleable ironor castings in combination with sheet metal tubes jointed to the headerswithout solder, brazing or other similar se curing means; to providea'radiator wherein the headers are composed of cast material, the tubesare composed of sheet metal, and the radiating fins are composed ofsheet metal affording a maximum amount of radiating surface and heatconductivity; to provide a radiator which has its tubes secured to itsheaders by merely expanding the ends of they tubes and without theemployment of any other fastening means such as solder, brazing, etc; toprovide a radiator so constructed that it can be disposed in a finitespace, such as in a unit heating and ventilatin apparatus, and

through which the air can e blown either downwardly, as in my Peerlessunit-of my aforesaid patent, or upwardly as in my Peervent unit of myaforesaid application; and to provide certain details of constructionwhich give to the radiator great efiiciency, a maximum amount ofradiation area, and make the radiator light, strong, durable and capableof installation in a small space. With the foregoing objects in View andothers which will be detailed during the course of this description, myinvention consists in the parts, features, elements and combinationsthereof hereinafter described and claimed.

In order that my invention may be clearly understood, I have provideddrawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a View showing in end elevation a radiator embodying oneform of my invention;

Figure 2. is a view in transverse vertical section of the radiator shownin Figure 1;.

Figure 3 is a View showing my radiator of Figure 1 in longitudinalvertical section, the View being greatly enlarged and broken centrallyto curtail the View Figure 4 is a view showing in front elevation andtransverse section the flexible closure for the outer wall of theheaders;

Figure 5 is a view showing in end elevation another form of myinvention;

Figure 6 is a view in transverse Vertical section of the structure shownin Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a View in longitudinal vertical section of the structureshown in Figure 5, the View being enlarged and broken centrally tocurtail the same;

Figure 8. is a View showing in side elevation a header with dispositionof radiating fins according to another form of my invention; and

Figure 9 is a View similar to Figure 8 showing still another dispositionof the fins according to my invcntlon.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, the numeral 1 indicatesthe opposite headers. Each of the headers is made of a casting,preferably malleable iron, which gives strength and durability andiscomparatively light. Each of the headers is oblong in form, and isprovided with a circular extension 2 approximately in the middle of oneof its long sides, said extension affording a chamber 3, one wall ofwhich is apertured and screw-threaded for the attachment of a conduit 4which may be either the steam-inlet conduit or the fluid-outlet orreturn conduit. According to its use, the aperture may have ascrew-threaded bushing 5 set therein for the accommodation of a conduitof small diameter. The major fportion of each of the oblong headers 1 isormed into a fluid expansion chamber 6, which communicates with thechamber 3, the expansion chamber having its opposite walls connected andbraced by a plurality of webs 7 The two headers are or the admission,distribution and return of heating fluid in a system. Each of thechambers 6 is provided in its outer wall with an aperture 8 extendingtherethrough, the outer end of which aperture is shouldered, as at 9,for the reception of a closure disk 10, which is concavo-convex in form,as shown in Figure 4, and is adapted to be pressed into sealingengagement by pressure applied to the disk after being set in theshouldered end of the said aperture 8. Pressure applied, as stated willtend to flatten the disk 10 and force its edges intointimate relationwith the circumferential wall of the shouldered portion 9 of theaperture 8 in the outer wall of the chamber6, thus sealing saidaperture. The opposite, or inner, wall of the chamber 6 of each of theheaders is provided with an aperture, the wall of which is flaredinwardly, the aperture being formed through an inwardly extending teat11, affording an extensive bearing for the endsof the tubes 12. Therebeing a number of apertures through the inner wall for supporting thetubes, the webs 7 strengthen the casting and prevent it from eithercracking from contraction or expansion, or collapsing from pressureapplied as presently described.

The headers thus constructed are interchangeable and can be used foreither inlet or outlet connections, and the disposition of the chambers3 is such that they will receive the drainage from the two expansionchambers and thus carry off all moisture of condensation. This is verydesirable and efflcacious in order to prevent freezing and consequentfracture or cracking.

In the instance shown in Figures 1 to 3, the connecting tubes arenumerous and of comparatively small diameter and are com posed of rolledsheet metal or may be drawn, if desired. The tubes are preferably formedof thin copper, brass or other ductile, malleable or pliant metal havinghigh heat conductively. Normally, the tubes are of-uniform diameterthroughout their length; but, when inserted in the flared apertures ofthe headers, the ends are expanded into engagement with the walls of theflared apertures, and thus are joined to the headers without solder,brazing or otherwise, as indicated at 13, Figure 3. The method ofexpanding the tubes into the headers is as follows:

The ends of the tubes are inserted in the flared apertures in one of theheaders, which is held rigidly in position for the operation of thespreading tool. The spreading tool, multiplex in character, is thenentered into the apertures 8 opposite the ends of the 1nserted tubes.Pressure is applied causing the end of the tubes to be expanded intoclose and intimate relation and contact with flared walls of theapertures in teats 11. The tool is then withdrawn and the'tube ends willbe found to be spread and in forceful, frictional engagement with theflared walls of the teats. The tool having been withdrawn from theoppositeapertures 8, in the outer wall of the eaders, the said aperturesare closed by insertion of the concave-convex disks of flexible butresilient metal and, when pressure is applied to the outer side of thesaid disks. the circumferential edges will be forced into intimate andforceful engagement with the surrounding wall of the shouldered portion9 of the aperture 8. This hermetically seals the header. The sameoperations are carried out upon the opposite ends of the tubes forsecuring them to the opposite header and for closing the latter. This isan important feature of my invention and upon it I desire to lay stress,since it eliminates all independent connecting means for securing thetubes and headers together. The webs 7 prevent the headers from crackingor collapsing when pressure is applied to flare the tube-ends, and toflex the closures 10.

As a preliminary to the foregoing operations of securing the tubes andheaders together and closing or sealing the headers, radiating plates orfins are applied to the tubes, said radiating plates being, according tomy invention, in several forms. The object of this portion of myinvention is to bring about the greatest possible radiation area andsurface in a given structure; and-it will be noted that in someinstances my radiator is provided with a large number of tubes, while inother instances a small number of tubes of comparatively large diameteris employed. In the instance of my invention in which a large number oftubes is employed, as in Figures 1 to 3, the tubes are arranged closetogether and are of comparatively small diameter. Each of these tubes isprovided with a plurality of radiating fins, disks or plates 14, whichare secured on the circumference of the tubes in very close relationshipand in very close and snug contact with the tubes, the latter beingimportant in order to provide for a maximum of heat conductivity fromtubes to plates and to avoid loss of radiation or transfer of heat fromthe tubes to the plates. The plates may be individual disks closelyarranged, or t ey may be a strip wound about the tubes in spiral form.In either event, the metal is thin and of high heat conductivity, thesame-as the tubes; a lid, in the instance shown, the plates areslid uponthe tubes and the latter are expanded by passing an expansion tool ordevice through them. This causes the tubes and heat conductivity, andproduces an effective and rigid attachment betweenthe tubesand diskswithout using an attaching medium. As shown in Figure 3, the disks areof diminishing thickness from center to circumference, and the thickwall surrounding the central aperture provides an extensive surface foradhesion of the disks .to' the tubes, and prevents the latter fromwabbling or shifting on the tubes. Thus, the disks are firmly secured tothe tubes and the latter are firmly secured to the headers without theuse of solder, brazing, or other independent attaching means. Stress islaid upon these factors as important features of my invention.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the headers are held from direct contactwith the fioor by the formation thereon of supporting plates '15, whichare produced integral with the casting and in continuity with the outerwall and at the bottom thereof. These plates may be extensive asdesired, so as to support the headers with sufficient clearance from thefloor. The form of these plates, as shown, is suggestive only.

Referring to Figures 5, 6 and 7, which disclose another form of myinvention, it will be seen that the headers 16 are connected together bytwo comparatively largefluid conduits or tubes 17. Each header comprisesa rectangular member having two chambers 18 for the expansion ordistribution of the heating fluid. Each header also has a web 19 madeintegral therewith as a part of the casting and of such suflicientextent to support the radiator upon the floor with all the parts thereofclear from contact with the floor. The support 19 is formed as anextension of the outer wall of the header. Each header 16 has its outerand inner wall braced and sustained by internal web members 20 atopposite ends of the header and also by an intermediate web member 21.Between the members 20 and 21 the two chambers 18 are sion chambers 18,and the tubes 17 convey the fluid to the opposite chambers 18, fromwhence the fluid, together with moisture of condensation passes into thechamber 22 and out through return conduit 2i. As shown, the tubes 17 areof comparatively large diameter, and there are only two of them employedin this form of my invention. These tubes are formed the same as thetubes of Figures 1 to 3, may be composed of the same headers and extendbeyond the several chambers thereof. The radiating plates may be made ofthe same material as the fins of Figures 1 to 3, and are secured uponthe tubes in the same manner as described with reference to the firstform of my invention. However, as shown in r F igure 7, the radiatingplates are provided with flanges 26 surrounding the central aperturesthereof and perpendicular to the plane of the said plates.

Through the medium of these flanges, the plates are caused to adhere tothe tubes by expansion of the latteras described with reference toFigures 1 to 3. The flanges have the additional function of spacing theplates upon the tubes and tending to hold the plates perpendicular tothe tubes. Each of the plates also has a plurality of circular teats 27formed thereon adjacent their peripheries, the object of which is tospace the plates at their outer margins and maintain the platessubstantially perpendicular to the tubes. The teats 27 are or may beformed by merely punching up the material of the plates. Additionally,the radiating plates are p110- vided with a plurality of diamond-shapedprojections 28 formed by punching up the material of the plates. Theseprojections may be cut through the material of the plates, andpreferably are so cut, and are thus. given two functions,.viz, theyprevent the free passage of the air between the plates by deflecting theair in its passage, and also cause the deflected air to pass laterallythrough the plates and laterally from end to end of the mass of platesand, consequently, laterally through the space between the headers.Preferably, the projections 28 are arranged on the plates in staggeredrelation so that the air passing between the plates is compelled totraverse a zig-Zag course from one edge to the other of the said plates.The teats 27 aid somewhat in retarding the passage of the air betweenthe plates and also permit lateral circulation of the air through theplates from one end tothe other of the mass, taking the air from thesurroundings of the radiator. As shown in Figure 7 the radiating platesmounted on the two tubes may be numerous and may extend considerablybeyond the headers at opposite sides thereof, though, at

the bottom, or supported side of the headers, the plates are notextended as far as the sup:

ports 19, and thus do not contact with the oor.

In Figure 8, the physical features of construction are the same as inFigure 7 but, the radiating plates are extended a comparativelygreatdistance beyond one side of the headers and a comparatively shortdistance beyond one side of the tubes.

In Figure 9, the reverse arrangement of the plates is shown, viz,extending a considerable distance beyond the supported side of'theheaders and a short distance only beyond the tubes on the opposite sideof the headers.

It is to be understood that the number of tubes employed in my radiatoris not of the essence of my invention; but, that I have found a largenumber ofsmall tubes and a small number of-large tubes quite efficient.The material of the tubes is important; for, it must be light, ductileand have high heat conductivity. That the tubes can be expanded, asdescribed, to secure them to the headers and to the radiating fins orplates, is important.

The radiating fins or plates may be composed of any metal foundsuitable, such as copper and brass, the desideratum being that the metalemployed shall be sufiiciently rigid to maintain the proper relationshipof the plates and tubes, and at the same time be capable of rapid heatconduction.

It is important that the fins or plates shall afford a maximum ofradiation area or surface for a given structure or use; and it is animportant feature of my invention that such area shall be greatest onthe delivery or exit side of the radiator structure so as to greatly andsufiiciently raise the temperature of the air before delivery from theradiator or unit. That is to say, I have been making two particularforms of heating and ventilating units,-one called Peerless and theother called Peervent,in which my new radiator is used, the formerrequiring the air to be driven downwardly through the radiator and thelatter requiring the air to be driven upwardly through the radiator. Inthe Peerless unit the arrangement of plates shown in Figure 9 would behighly eifectiveywhile in the Peervent, the arrangement of plates shownin Figure 8 would be highly effective. In both units the forms ofradiators shown in Figures 3 and 7 would be quite effective.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure byLetters Patent is:

1. A radiator composed of two headers each having a plurality ofexpansion chambers, tubes connecting the headers, and a plurality ofindependent radiation plates applied to the tubes, said plates beingprovided with spacing teats, and with projections for distributing thecolumn of air passing between the lates.

2. A ra 'ator having a plurality of headers each having an expansionchamber, one wall of which is provided with a flared aperture and theopposite wall of which is provided with a shouldered aperture, incombination with tubes connectin said headers the ends of said tubesbeing ared to cooperate with the walls of the flared apertures, and aclosure for the shouldered aperture.

"3. A radiator composed of two hollow end members each formed of asingle piece casting and each member having a supporting web integraltherewith and extending therefrom in the plane of its front wall, andeach member having in one side an opening for the attachment of aconduit pipe, and in its opposite side having apertures for thereception of they ends of connecting tubes, in combination with tubesconnecting the two members together, the tubes being provided with aplurality of'radiating plates or fins sleeved thereon.

4. A radiator composed of two like hollow members each having itsinterior divided into two separate steam chambers, and each memberhaving one of its chambers provided with an aperture in one ofits facesfor the admission of a conduit, in combination with tubes connecting thetwo members, and having their ends entering the other steam chamber ofeach member at the inner wall thereof,

and radiating plates sleeved upon the tubes.

MICHAEL J. CALLAHAN.

